Somewhat recently, my father's CR-V has started making a grinding noise when negotiating sharp left or right turns. The noise can also be felt (almost as if something is binding), and it appears to be originating from the rear wheels. It only has around 30,000 miles on it, never any accidents, no CEL's. Does anyone have any ideas as to what might be responsible for this issue? As it's still under warranty, we'll be taking it to the dealer when we have the opportunity to do so, but in the interim, I'm just curious if perhaps any other CR-V or Element owners have experienced something similar.

 

Changing the rear differential fluid will most likely take care of the noise. If you do it yourself...make sure to only use genuine Honda Dual Pump fluid...very common issue on all CRV's and Elements.

Good luck,

AJ

 

Thank you for the prompt reply. I unfortunately don't have a repair manual for the CR-V, but is this something that's pretty straight forward, or is there a particular specific procedure that must be followed when changing the fluid.

 

There is a rear differential flush procedure outlined in a service bulletin for this particular issue. You should take it to the dealer because it is usually covered under the warranty. That way it will be done right and you won't have to spend the time/money on it (atleast just time in the waiting room).

 

Wow I was about to create a post regarding a similar issue with my 2001 CRV. Whenever I make a hard right/left turn (regardless of speed), there is a vibration felt and noise coming from the rear.

 

Rear diff. noise is common in CR-Vs. A lot of the time just changing the fluid will take care of the noise, but sometimes it is necessary to do the flush/burnish procedure. If you do decide to change the fluid yourself, make sure to use the right fluid, otherwise the problem may persist or even worsen.

Although fluid condition does have an effect on diff. noise, other problems can create noise as well. Check to make sure you have matching tires in the rear (the same size and brand). Mix matched and wrong size tires, as well as incorrect tire pressure can cause rear diff. noise, and possible damage. A wrong size tire can make a rear diff. sound like it is toast. I had a customer come in who was told by another shop he needed a new rear diff. and wanted a second opinion. I changed the fluid, set the tire pressure, and found that his right rear tire was the wrong size. I rotated it to the front and the noise was gone.

 

I don't currently have access to the owner's manual to check what the maintenance schedule is, but is changing or flushing the fluid part of the recommended maintenance near the 30,000 mile mark? I'm curious because I believe the last time the car was at the dealer, they wanted to perform some sort of diff flush as a voluntary, ~$130 procedure (most likely the same procedure mentioned here). However, what's being written here seems to indicate that it should be covered under a warranty repair. Any thoughts?

 

At 30k the vehicle should have a major service which consists of:

oil change, trans. fluid change, cooling system service, change brake fluid, air filter, cabin air filter, tire rotation, brake service, and wiper inserts.

I don't remember what the mileage is for a differential service,but I don't think it is 30k. We try to get it in the 30k service, but it is not automatic for 4 wheel drive vehicles. If the differential is noisy, the vehicle is still under warranty, and you are not at the recommended mileage interval for diff. service they should take care of it for you (I know we do). If the advisor tries selling it to you, try talking to the service manager.

 

From what I've seen, the most common problem with rear diff noise in my area seems to be from lack of tire rotation. Honda's Real-Time 4wd is not your traditional 4wd. It's rear diff works off of oil pressure. It only really turns on the rear wheels when it senses that the front wheel are slipping. So if you've got bald front tires, you'll wear out your rear diff fluid faster and need to service it sooner. Or if you've got different size tires in the front when compared to the rear or just different sizes side to side, it can cause the rear diff to run all the time, thus wearing itself and the fluid out. As far as can remember, the rear diff it just two little oil pumps working against each other. One pump for the front and one for the rear. Once the front pump builds enough pressure to overcome the rear pump, it turns on the 4wd system. Hope that helps clarify a few things.